The oldest professional sports league in the United States, Major League Baseball (MLB) is a North American institution with 30 teams split evenly between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). The league’s 162-game season begins in late March or early April, with a six-team postseason tournament in October that concludes with the World Series, a best-of-seven championship series first played in 1903.
Structure and Teams
- 30 teams: 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada.
- Two leagues: The NL and AL were formed in 1876 and 1900, respectively, and merged in 1903 after a direct conflict.
- Season length: Each team plays 162 games from late March or early April to late September or early October.
The World Series
- Championship series: The winners of the NL and AL compete in a best-of-seven series.
- History: The World Series has been held annually since 1903, making it one of the oldest championship events in professional sports.
Cultural Impact
- Iconic teams: MLB is home to historic franchises such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Famous players: The league has produced legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson.
- Global influence: MLB is recognized as the premier baseball league worldwide, with a significant role in American culture and sports.
